Fans of Suffolk found safe ways to celebrate all that is great about the county – despite coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Suffolk Day – Big Weekender kicked off on Friday with Suffolk Day itself yesterday.
But with many of the usual events associated with Suffolk Day unable to go-ahead due to the coronavirus lockdown, people had to find innovative new ways to celebrate all that is good about the county.
And they certainly rose to the challenge from Sudbury to Southwold with families embarking on walks to some of the county’s best known landmarks to tucking into some of the best food the county has to offer in the confines of their own homes.
BBC Radio Suffolk also filled the airwaves with the stars of the county who have graced the international stage, including Framlingham favourite Ed Sheeran and Ipswich’s own Nik Kershaw.
Schools and colleges also found ways to celebrate the occasion from home, with Suffolk New College hosting a competition for non-native English speakers to share their love of the county through poetry and short stories.
One of the competition’s winners, Kurdo Salis, from Iraq, said his love of the Ipswich accent and Christmas in the town are among his favourite things about his new life in the UK.
He added: “The thing I like most about Ipswich is the people are so nice here – respectful and friendly – and there is also a lot of nice picnic spots around Ipswich and Suffolk which people enjoy.”
Runner-up Simon Habte, from Eritrea, highlighted his love of the Suffolk coast and the warmth of local people as reasons why he is proud to call the county home.
Elsewhere, One Sixth Form College art lecturer Nigel Dickerson, painted more than 40 landscapes of the county to pay tribute to his family’s home.
He added: “I also love the people of Suffolk. When I’m out and about painting, people often stop and chat and say nice things about my work. It’s a wonderful county and the campaign is a great idea.”
Suffolk County Council leader Matthew Hicks added: “There is so much to shout about that is great about our beautiful and wonderful county.”
As has become tradition, the weekend ended with the Suffolk Remembers event – usually a candle-lit vigil to commemorate the lives of lost loved ones – but was broadcast online thanks to the staff at St Elizabeth Hospice.
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